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[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]I’ve found that I cannot survive college and academia if my time consists of nothing outside of that.  I believe that we (as humanity) are far too busy and stretched thin with our responsibilities.  It’s not necessarily a bad thing to be busy, and I often enjoy it, but there is a line and I think it’s been obscured.  We must not, in our busyness, and perhaps even joy in it, lose focus of Christ and His beauty.  We see in Luke 10 that Martha is busy serving guests at a party and taking care of the needs of others.  She is doing a good thing, but scripture says that “Martha was distracted with much serving” (Luke 10:40).  How easy it is for us to become distracted and lose focus of His beauty and sufficiency.  As the story goes on, Martha becomes somewhat upset because her sister Mary “sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching” (Luke 10:39).  When Martha approaches the Lord, asking him if he cares that Mary has left her alone to serve, Jesus replies, “Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42).

Those who know me well, know that I’m a very hard worker and in high school, that even became something of an idol.  I always loved being busy and still do at times, but I refuse to allow that to define me or take away from sweet, blessed times with friends, family and the body of Christ.  The push for success in academia has become so strong in our culture, that it’s easy to become consumed with that success and lose sight of truly defining moments.  Even for those of you who are very busy and are balancing things well and enjoying Jesus in the process (many of my amazing friends), I would encourage you to take the time to step back and allow yourself to enjoy God’s creation and beauty through spontaneous trips, fun excursions, endless worship sessions, extended periods of sunset viewing, etc… Get all you can from academics and grow in “knowledge and depth of insight” (Philippians 1:9), but don’t miss the overwhelming, heart-expanding beauties of what the Lord’s world has to offer through limitless blessings.

These are my brief thoughts on the balance between school/responsibilities and fun, which when done unto the Lord are seen as the same in His eyes.

Through these pictures, I hope and pray that you enjoy the Lord’s beauty and blessings in your own life more and more. Let him wreck you and rock you for His glory and the furtherance of His kingdom!!!!

Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise him in the heights above. Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his heavenly hosts. Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they were created. He set them in place for ever and ever; he gave a decree that will never pass away.  -Psalm 148:1-6

Bros at Big Sur!!! Unbelievable Place!!

My buddy Sterling and Davis at Big Sur!!

Santa Barbara Sunrise!!!

Santa Barbara sunrise from Reality Santa Barbara!! 🙂

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